Basic painting guide needed

[BradZ]

After seeing many forum members painting interior bits and also engine parts i've always wondered how the turn out so good. I've painted the odd engine cover and other misc things but they never turn out as good as some members on here. If anyone can please point out what I'm doing wrong it would be greatly appreciated. Seeing as i only really paint plastic I'll explain how i did the engine cover.
Pulled it off
Lightly sanded it-unsure of what grade
One coat of plastic primer
Spray with VHT Engine Enamel, yellow
Apply 2nd coat untill coverage is even
One coat of clear coat.

Obviously I am doing something wrong because it came out really flat. Even coverage, but zero shine to it and scratches very easily.
Again, anyone who could point me in the right direction would be great.

[Geez Louise]

What temperature was it when you painted? Was it a cold day? Sounds like it was not painted in the correct temperature. That is the only thing I can think of that would bring it out flat.

[Jim Goose]

How long between you apply the clear coat?
Silly question I know but is the clear coat "Glossy"?
As you can get clear coats in matt.

Does it appear glossy after you paint it and goes matt after you apply the clear?

[Jallopy]

You probably put the clear on too dry.
Anyway why put clear over the yellow enamel.
I would of finished with a wet coat of yellow no clear.

To fix scuff wet with 800 then paint 1 coat of yellow let it flash off then follow with a good wet coat of yellow. (dont get to close with the nozzle as this may cause a run)

[BradZ]

Wait on. Just had a look, the engine enamal i have is red. The paint i used is just VHT yellow stuff.

So, how many coats of yellow and how many coats of clear are needed?
Temp was around 30.

Jallopy: Not sure what you mean by i put the clear on too dry

[FGII-XR6]

if you spray it too light the clear is almost dry as it hits the surface it needs to be a reasonably heavy coat while avoiding runs. the paint or clear will have a wet look as it goes on also make sure the day is not too humid as the moisture in the air will impact on the finish

Originally Posted by BradZ

Wait on. Just had a look, the engine enamal i have is red. The paint i used is just VHT yellow stuff.

So, how many coats of yellow and how many coats of clear are needed?
Temp was around 30.

Jallopy: Not sure what you mean by i put the clear on too dry

[BradZ]

If someone was kind enough to write me a step by step I'd be very happy